Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106660964, titled "A preparation method of a compound targeting integrin αvβ3," epitomizes China's burgeoning pharmaceutical innovation landscape. Positioned within the domain of targeted cancer therapy, this patent underscores significant advancements in integrin-focused drug development. This comprehensive analysis evaluates the scope and claims of CN106660964, contextualizing its strategic importance within the patent landscape, and offers insights relevant to stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector.
Scope and Claims Overview
Patent Abstract and Core Innovation
CN106660964 discloses a specific chemical synthesis process for compounds that target integrin αvβ3, a receptor intimately involved in tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell adhesion mechanisms. The patent primarily claims the structure, production method, and pharmaceutical application of these compounds, emphasizing their potential as anti-angiogenic agents in cancer treatment.
Main Claims Analysis
The claims of CN106660964 are categorized into two main groups: compound claims and method claims.
Compound Claims
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Structural Scope: Claim 1 delineates a class of compounds characterized by a core chemical structure with specific substituents, which confer high affinity to integrin αvβ3. The claim encompasses various derivatives within the defined structural framework, including possible substitutions such as halogens, methyl groups, or hydroxyl groups, indicating a broad coverage.
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Representative Compounds: Subsequent dependent claims specify particular compounds within this class that exhibit demonstrated biological activity, targeting integrin αvβ3 with significant potency.
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Scope Rationale: The structural breadth of these compound claims aims to protect a spectrum of molecules exhibiting similar pharmacological profiles, thus broadening potential market exclusivity.
Method Claims
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Synthesis Procedures: The patent delineates a detailed synthesis route for preparing the claimed compounds, emphasizing steps such as specific coupling reactions, purification procedures, and yield optimization, which provide protection for the manufacturing process.
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Pharmaceutical Application: Additional claims extend to methods of using these compounds for therapeutic purposes, notably in the treatment of tumors that overexpress integrin αvβ3, including methods of administration and dosage.
Claim Strategy and Stringency
The claims are constructed to balance breadth and specificity. While compound claims encapsulate a broad chemical scope, the synthesis method claims shield the specific process developed by the inventors. The inclusion of method claims enhances patent robustness, deterring competitors from circuitously synthesizing similar compounds via alternative routes.
Patent Landscape Context
Global and Chinese Patent Environment
China has rapidly developed its pharmaceutical patent landscape over the past decade, with a focus on innovative anti-cancer agents and targeted therapies. CN106660964 aligns with trends emphasizing chemical entities that modulate angiogenic pathways, particularly integrins, VEGF, and related receptors.
Competitive Positioning
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Patent Families and Related Patents: CN106660964 is part of a broader patent family encompassing related compounds, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic applications, reflecting strategic expansion to cover various aspects of integrin-targeted drug development.
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Licensing and Collaboration: Patent holders have engaged in licensing and research collaborations with biotech and pharma companies, stimulating further innovation and commercialization prospects.
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International Patent Filings: While CN106660964 is domestically filed, priority is likely claimed from prior applications in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan, aligning with China's patent law provisions that allow early filing to secure priority rights internationally.
Legal and Patent Term Considerations
The patent, filed in 2016 and granted in 2018, enjoys a statutory term of 20 years from the filing date, until 2036, providing a significant window for commercial development, licensing, and strategic patent enforcement.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Innovators
The scope of CN106660964 highlights a strong patent position in integrin αvβ3-targeted compounds within China. Innovators in cancer therapeutics should evaluate this patent when developing similar molecules, considering either designing around the claims or establishing licensing agreements.
Generic Manufacturers
The detailed synthesis claims and broad compound coverage present barriers to generic entry. Manufacturers must innovate alternative synthesis routes or molecules outside the patent's scope, or seek licensing agreements to avoid infringement.
Legal and Patent Strategists
This patent underscores the importance of comprehensive structural and process claims to secure robust protection. Strategically, monitoring related patent families and potential filings by competitors is vital to maintaining market exclusivity.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
CN106660964 exemplifies China's strategic emphasis on chemical entities targeting critical biological pathways in oncology. Its broad compound claims, detailed synthesis methods, and therapeutic scope fortify its competitive position during its enforceable term.
Key Takeaways
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Scope: The patent protects a broad class of integrin αvβ3-targeting compounds with specific structural features, alongside detailed synthesis processes and therapeutic applications.
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Strategic Importance: Its claims establish a robust patent position within China's pharmaceutical innovation landscape, influencing subsequent research and development activities.
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Patent Landscape: Situated within a rapidly expanding Chinese patent framework for targeted therapies, it underscores the importance of comprehensive patenting strategies for innovators and potential entrants.
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Commercial Implication: The patent provides a solid foundation for licensing, collaboration, or further innovation, but also necessitates vigilant monitoring to navigate potential infringement or challenges.
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Global Considerations: Patent holders should consider extending protection through international filings to maximize strategic value and market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of compounds claimed in CN106660964?
The patent focuses on compounds targeting integrin αvβ3, a receptor involved in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis, making it a promising target for anti-cancer therapies.
2. How broad are the chemical scope and claims within this patent?
The claims cover a class of chemical structures with specific core frameworks and variable substituents, allowing protection over numerous derivatives with similar pharmacological activity.
3. Can competitors develop alternative drugs targeting integrin αvβ3 without infringing this patent?
Potentially, if they design molecules outside the chemical scope or employ different mechanisms of action; however, detailed legal analysis is essential for each case.
4. How does this patent influence the development of anti-angiogenic drugs in China?
It strengthens China's patent position in targeted cancer therapies, encouraging local innovation while posing barriers to generic competition.
5. What strategies should patent holders consider to maximize value related to CN106660964?
They should explore expanding into international patent protections, licensing alternatives, and continuous R&D to develop improved or complementary compounds.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration. Patent CN106660964.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports on Integrin-Targeted Therapeutics.
[3] China Patent Search Database. Overview of China’s Patent Filing Trends in Oncology.
